Imagine the scene a cold, wet Sunday morning in February. Many people may wish to still be in bed or at least comfortably at home with the central heating blazing. This is not the case for the Freemans players whose commitment to the football cause is incredibly commendable. After the previous 2 weeks thrilling wins the team approached this game confident but not complacent. Nigel’s reminder in the week that this was a ‘massive game’ was still fresh in the players minds and they did not want to slip up now.
After the windy conditions of the prior games the lads were pleased that the wind had subsided to be replaced by horrendously boggy conditions. It was clear from the offset that the pitch was going to be a major factor in the outcome of the game as the pitch ranged from marshy to aquatic. However the poor turf did not dampen the spirits of the chaps and as the team assembled at the centre circle for kick off morale was high.
Freemans began the game well with some slick passing and great wing play from Male. The game began at a frantic pass with each team having several opportunities to open the scoring and, if it wasn’t for the sensational Stait in goal, Longhorn could have had two or three goals within the first 15 minutes. However the persistence of the Freemans boys was to win through and after a delightful ball and superb run Barry slotted the ball home to put Freemans into the lead.
This was what the game needed from Freemans point of view as they began to play a level of football not often seen on the T.I. Not only were Freemans attacking well but the defence stood up and dealt with everything that was thrown at them. With such a solid team performance it wasn’t long until Freemans had bagged a second. A simply wonderful cross from Male on the right was met by a charming volley by Bucknall sending the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
It wasn’t long before Freemans had secured their third with another marvellous finish from Bucknall. After a Crown clearance their defence was slow to react and seizing the initiative Bromwich looped a long throw down to Bucknall who found the corner with a shot smothered in teasing curl. Although Freemans were securely in the lead now Longhorn continued to press and it was only through some remarkable defensive work, as well as heroic keeping, that the Freemans clean sheet remained.
Just before the half time whistle Freemans scored again. After a poor goal kick and a quick one two between Bromwich and Barry, Bromwich was left the simple task of slotting the ball into the back of the net. As the whistle blew Freemans left the field with a comfortable 4 goal cushion between themselves and the opposition.
Going into the second half many may think that Freemans would take their foot off the gas and hold out for the 4-0. This is exactly what happened. Due to the security that Freemans felt in their position they began the second half with a different style of football and one that almost caused disaster. Not long into the second half, after several minutes of constant attacking, Longhorn squeezed the ball past a disheartened Stait who could have done nothing to stop the inevitability of a Crown goal. At this point the balance of the match began to change. From the sidelines it was apparent that Freemans had been overcome with a fear of their own ability. For 25 minutes after the restart the Freemans game was devoid of the excellent passing and movement which had allowed them such a comfortable lead going into the last 45.
Noticing that something needed to be done about this shambolic period of play Male took it upon himself to return calm to the players. After picking up the ball on the right and cutting inside he opened himself up to cross the ball in. However after confusing most of the Longhorn defence he continued this excellent run into the box to rifle the ball into the top of the net, in turn calming Freemans nerves.
The composed Freemans that had been on show in the first period now returned and with it came one of the single most audacious manoeuvres performed by a defender in living memory. With two approaching attackers Henderson lifted the ball into the air, applying an ample amount of spin, crossed behind the attackers, allowed the ball to bounce and spin between the two of them and then continue his run down the pitch. A move like this can only boost morale.
There was still time for more drama with simple misses from both Bromwich, Arnold and Bucknall. Then in the last few minutes Hobson, with a perfectly legitimate challenge, was deemed to have hacked down a Crown player resulting in a penalty. After a retake the Crown players were soon celebrating their second goal of the game. Soon after this the full time whistle went and Freemans could now celebrate 3 wins in 3 and a crucial 9 points lifting them off the bottom of the table.
All in all the match could be described with this simple haiku;
The goals were flowing,
Freemans were winning 5-2.
Freemans win again.
match report by tom bromwich.
lads fantastic result proud of all of you.lets keep this form up and wont be long till we fly up the league table.was very difficult desision for man of the match could have been one of many but gave it to dan in goal for his immpressive one one saves.
